Summary
In the East Midlands, Northamptonshire encompasses a predominantly rural area, characterized by its two major towns, Northampton and Corby.
Surrounding these urban centers are tranquil villages featuring thatched cottages and traditional country pubs.
Similar to the neighboring Buckinghamshire, this county boasts an abundance of stately homes, more than one could feasibly explore in a single visit.
Northamptonshire has earned the title of the county of “spires and squires” due to its charming parish churches and elegant country manors.
The rejuvenating landscape of Northamptonshire beckons visitors to unwind during peaceful walks amidst its Elizabethan estates and quaint villages.
For those seeking adventure, Silverstone serves as the epicenter of the British Grand Prix, making it a pivotal destination for motorsport enthusiasts year-round.
Let’s explore the premier destinations in Northamptonshire:
1. Northampton
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As the county town, Northampton is home to nearly half of Northamptonshire’s residents, benefiting from short commutes to both London and Birmingham, which enhances its appeal as a residential area.
A recommended starting point for visitors is the Cultural Quarter, featuring elegant Georgian architecture and a noteworthy attraction, 78 Derngate, an 18th-century house that was reimagined in 1917 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a pivotal figure in the art nouveau and arts and crafts movements.
Northampton Museum, located within the Cultural Quarter, provides insight into the town’s initial prosperity during the 19th century when it was the epicenter of the leather and shoemaking industries.
Nearby, visitors can explore magnificent country estates including Castle Ashby, Althorp House, Coton Manor, and Delapré Abbey.
2. Corby
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A significant portion of Northamptonshire’s population resides in this former steel town in the northern region of the county.
A unique aspect of Corby is its substantial population with Scottish ancestry, with approximately a fifth of its residents originating from north of the border.
For sightseeing opportunities, there is a variety of country estates located just outside the town.
The most notable of these is Kirby Hall, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, who served as Lord Chancellor under Elizabeth I. Deene Park, on the other hand, has been in the Brudenell family for over 500 years and welcomes visitors to its regal house and landscaped gardens in the summer.
Additionally, the medieval Rockingham Castle is worth a visit, rich in stories dating back to the English Civil War.
3. Oundle
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The historic town of Oundle is predominantly constructed from limestone with captivating golden hues, reminiscent of cities such as Cambridge, albeit without the university colleges.
Located just outside the town is the renowned Fotheringhay Castle, although little remains of its original structure.
Evidence of earthworks and masonry reveals that this was once a favored residence of Richard III, born here in 1452, and the site of Mary Queen of Scots’ execution in 1587. Following her execution, the castle was dismantled and much of the stone was repurposed for buildings in Oundle, including the notable Talbot Inn.
Exploring Oundle allows one to discover historic pubs, such as the Ship Inn, a coaching inn dating back to the 1300s, and the Rose & Crown, located in the marketplace and catering to patrons since the 17th century.
4. Higham Ferrers
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Although a relatively small settlement in the Nene Valley, Higham Ferrers merits a visit for its rich history and delightful selection of period properties.
St Mary’s Church, characterized by its spire indicative of Northamptonshire architecture, dates back to the 13th century.
The integrity of the original designs is evident, particularly in the stonework of the west porch, believed to have been crafted by the same masons behind Westminster Abbey in London.
College Street possesses significant historical relevance as it was home to an institution founded in 1422 by Henry Chichele, the then Archbishop of Canterbury.
The hall from this long-defunct college occasionally hosts art exhibitions.
5. Rushden
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As one of the larger urban areas within the county, Rushden’s most prominent landmark is the medieval Church of St Mary, which features a striking 60-meter spire.
For relaxation, visitors can enjoy the serene lawns and pathways of Rushden Hall Park, which envelops a historic manor house that opens for summer exhibitions related to the town’s history.
An intriguing remnant of the town’s railway heritage is the Rushden Transport Museum, which showcases a historic Victorian train station and ticket hall that opened in 1894, as well as a real ale bar for adult patrons.
6. Daventry
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Should you wish to explore the market town of Daventry, Sheaf Street serves as an excellent starting point.
This street, located in the heart of the town’s pedestrian shopping area, features many of Daventry’s historic buildings, which include former staging inns and attractive Georgian townhouses.
In total, the town boasts over 70 listed structures, and visiting on a Tuesday or Friday presents the opportunity to experience the vibrant street market on the high street.
Daventry was granted the privilege to host a market in 1255 during the reign of Henry III. Furthermore, in Northamptonshire, visitors are never far from remarkable stately homes, and Daventry is conveniently located just minutes from Canons Ashby House, built in 1550.
7. Kettering
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Situated in the heart of the county, Kettering is a functional market town that acts as a retail hub for surrounding villages.
For visitors from outside the area, the primary attraction typically revolves around family-oriented activities available in the vicinity.
Wicksteed Park, established in 1921, holds the distinction of being the second-oldest theme park in England.
This park evokes a sense of nostalgia, illustrated by its narrow gauge steam railway, and was a groundbreaking attraction at its opening, necessitating special train services to accommodate visitors from across the East Midlands.
Children will also find delight at Bugtopia, a hands-on zoo where they can interact with various fascinating creatures.
8. Brackley
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The marketplace in Brackley is renowned for its striking townscape, featuring an array of historic inns and symmetrical buildings surrounding the Town Hall.
This exquisite, quoined structure, originally erected in 1704, showcases arches on the ground floor that were once part of a covered market, now closed.
Americans might particularly appreciate a visit to the nearby village of Sulgrave.
Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of the Washington family, now welcomes visitors and offers insights into the family’s history following its sale in the mid-1600s after George Washington’s great-grandfather emigrated to Virginia.
9. Helmdon
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Located a short distance from Brackley, Helmdon is a picturesque village constructed from attractive pale limestone.
This stone has been quarried in the region since the 1300s and was used to create some of the area’s most prominent country houses, including Stowe House in Buckinghamshire and Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
Helmdon also boasts a quintessential Northamptonshire spire, belonging to the Gothic-style Mary Magdalene Church, built during the 13th and 14th centuries.
For those seeking unusual experiences, Tanks-Alot offers an exhilarating day out where visitors can crush cars with a tank or fire vintage muskets, catering to military enthusiasts’ dreams.
10. Silverstone
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Located just minutes from Brackley in southern Northamptonshire, the village of Silverstone is a name synonymous with Formula 1 racing.
Situated halfway between Northampton and Oxford, Silverstone has hosted the British Grand Prix since 1948. The history of this racing circuit mirrors that of several others in Britain, originating from an airfield, specifically a bomber station for the RAF. During the majority of weeks, exclusive of major events, the circuit provides a variety of driving experiences featuring Ferraris, Porsches, Aston Martins, and single-seater race cars.
Additionally, Silverstone features two golf courses that are open for pay-and-play, and for a diverse experience, Catanger Llamas, located in nearby Towcester, is a llama farm set in picturesque countryside.
